New multifunction tester

[Paul Dodds]

Hi, I'm obviously new. I'm looking at buying a fluke 1663 but am concerned that when the new 18th edition comes in it will be obsolete. Would I be better off buying a used 1653b, + calibration, and then a new mf tester when the new regs come in?
If this has been covered then please feel free to post the link, I have had a look but couldn't find anything on this subject.

 

[telectrix]

can't see any reason for additional tests that the 1663 can't do.

 

[Paul Dodds]

Also, to say hello to everyone. I will be looking at gaining some much needed advice and hopefully give some as well. My background is as a sky installer and working with home automation. I have been going out with a few electricians over the last year to try and understand what I learnt in the classroom, c&e 2330.

 

[westward10]

Obviously when new Regs or ammendments arrive you have claims of testers complying to the new requirements which they do, but in truth nothing will have changed.

 

[Paul Dodds]

Cheers for the responses Westward10 and Telectrix. That's good to hear. It's expensive enough, without being told that the new equipment is now out of date!
Think I might go for the Fluke 1664fc, purely because it has the 'insulation pretest'. Anyone know if this really does work and shows up attached equipment or is it just a gimmick with lots of disclaimers?

 

[Hellmooth]

Test on 250v and you'll see if there's attached equipment......

 

[westward10]

Cheers for the responses Westward10 and Telectrix. That's good to hear. It's expensive enough, without being told that the new equipment is now out of date!
Think I might go for the Fluke 1664fc, purely because it has the 'insulation pretest'. Anyone know if this really does work and shows up attached equipment or is it just a gimmick with lots of disclaimers?

I don't know the details of this meter, I can only assume an "insulation pretest" applies a reduced voltage and if it senses a certain resistance across the circuit it stops a full test, bit like dipping your toe in the water.

 

[telectrix]

Test on 250v and you'll see if there's attached equipment......

or clamp the L out of the MCB before dissing. any current in the cable, there's a load attached.

 

[Stevesplatto]

Doesn't work for dead tests..